There are few sights as spectacular as the reflection of vibrant fall foliage rippling in the waters of a lake. While Ponkapoag Pond is an appealing spot to visit any time of year, its natural beauty is only enhanced by autumn colors.
A 3.75-mile long loop encircles the pond. Since the terrain is fairly flat, the trail is a perfect way to spend a fall afternoon – or morning!
Part of the way around the loop, a boardwalk branches off from the main path. It’s definitely worth adding a little more distance to your hike by taking this out-and-back path (it’s a fifth of a mile each way). That’s because it leads through an Atlantic white cedar bog.
This bog is unusual because most Atlantic white cedars were cut down over the years. Traveling between the dense trees here feels a little otherworldly.
The boardwalk ends on a different shore of Ponkapoag Pond, transitioning from bog, to a floating layer of vegetation, and finally to the waters of the lake. This provides another opportunity to admire the trees that encircle the pond.
Back on the main trail, you’ll pass through plenty of wooded land, some primitive cabins, and the Ponkapoag Golf Course, the first public golf course in the nation. The diverse scenery means you’re never bored along this route.
Here is a map of the Blue Hills Reservation that shows the Ponkapoag Pond Trail (on page four). Pull it up on your phone before you set out, or take a screenshot of it, to avoid getting lost.
